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Microsoft Corp. this week released Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, a 64-bit version of Microsoft Windows XP Professional based on Windows Server 2003 SP1. It is initially targeted at developers, gamers, graphics, audio, media artists, CAD/CAM users, and enthusiasts. The operating system, which, among other features, will enable users to access up to 128GB of physical memory as well as exploit the power of the latest 64-bit CPUs from AMD and Intel Corp. Windows XP Professional x64 Edition is expected to offer full Windows XP Professional functionality, with the capability to run both 32-bit and 64-bit applications. The operating system, which retains the same GUI, supports single or dual CPUs. The new dual core CPUs from AMD and Intel Corp. will count as one CPU, so you could have two CPUs, both being multicored, in the same system, and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition will exploit them.
In an April 28, 2005 Microsoft webcast hosted by Microsoft MVP Charlie Russel, Russel details some of the features and benefits that Windows XP Professional x64 Edition is expected to offer to users, as well as some issues users may face when using legacy hardware and software. He also provides some tips for those who will migrate to the new 64-bit OS. Also, at the bottom of this article is a short Q&A with a Microsoft spokesperson detailing what x64 Edition will bring to those working in the DCC space.
Tips for those who will migrate immediately to Windows XP Professional x64 Edition
If you are going to immediately migrate to x64 Edition, make sure that drivers are available in 64-bit for all the applications and hardware that you run in your business before you migrate to 64-bit Windows. Windows XP Professional x64 Edition offers no support for 16 bit applications, no support for MS-DOS, and there is currently no support for 32-bit Windows Explorer extensions. You can run Windows Explorer in WOW 64, which is short for Windows on Windows 64-bit, which essentially enables you to run 32-bit applications on x64 Edition. According to Russel, WOW64 translates applications to 64-bit, provides higher performance for 32-bit applications, and features 4GB virtual memory space for each process. For driver support information, visit your manufacturer's website. Russel also recommended www.planetamd64.com and www.extended64.com for driver information.
Tips for those purchasing a new PC
If you are in the market for a new PC, Russel says to make sure that PC is x64 capable, even if you aren't necessarily going to run 64-bit applications right away. Most 32-bit applications will run just fine, and you can run a mix of 32-bit and 64-bit applications without any real serious penalty. For more information on 64-bit CPU technology from AMD and Intel, visit www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/ProductInformation/0,,20_118_8796_11869,00.htm and www.intel.com/technology/64bitextensions/index.htm
How do you obtain Windows XP Professional x64 Edition? 
The Dell Precision 670 support x64 Edition.
You can purchase a computer with the operating system from a Microsoft manufacturer partner, such as Alienware (Alienware Area-51 5500, Area-51 ALX, and MJ-12 5500 systems), Dell (Precision 470, 670), HP and IBM, a system builder version which requires a qualifying hardware purchase, or MSDN-for development and test systems. Users of existing 64-bit hardware running 32-bit Windows XP Professional may trade up to x64. Those who have purchased the 32-bit version of Windows XP Professional can avail of a tradeup program to Windows XP Professional x64 Edition that expires in July 2005. There is currently no upgrade from 32-bit Windows XP Professional, nor is their a retail version.
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